Coal baron seeks to buy WV legislature for GOP

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

One man's effort to win WVa for the GOP: Coal boss uses personal fortune to try to oust Democrats

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - In a state where politics is a spectator sport, Don Blankenship stands center stage. The chief executive of West Virginia's largest coal company is using his personal fortune to try to give Republicans control of the state Legislature - something they haven't enjoyed in more than seven decades.

To date, Massey Energy Co.'s chief executive has spent more than $1.8 million to promote 41 hand-picked GOP candidates through contributions and his personal political action committee, "And for the Sake of the Kids."

When talk turns to politics in West Virginia these days, it invariably leads to Blankenship and his agenda - parental notification of abortions for minors, increased spending for higher education, opposition to same-sex marriage and the elimination of the state's 5 percent food tax. The Blankenship factor is a staple of editorial pages and radio talk shows.
more:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15546817/

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Blankenship Responds to Aracoma Mine Fire Report
NewsChannel 3 Exclusive: Massey CEO Don Blankenship reacts to Mine Accident Report

State investigators are pointing the blame for a deadly mine accident in Logan County on Massey Energy.

Miners Don Bragg and Elvis Hatfield died in the Aracoma fire that happened back in January..

Investigators say faulty firefighting equipment and missing air control walls were key factors in the deadly accident. The report says the missing wall allowed smoke to enter the main escape route of the mine.
more:
http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/4558257.html

[Lasher]

1. Let's hope Blankenship's just wasting his money

You should consider posting this in the WV state forum.